Privileged Persuasion

“Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭27:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.27.11.nkjv
Julius the centurion had granted Paul the liberty of free association with his friends. Apparently, he was persuaded that Paul had no intention of escaping by jumping into the sea. It was a limited level of confidence in Paul, based on the little exposure to his capabilities and convictions about life and the mission to Rome. However, when the issue of embarking on the voyage from the city of Lasea under a dangerous sea condition was tabled, the centurion trusted the opinion of the helmsman and the owner of the ship more than the advice from Paul. It was a classical illustration of empirical persuasion - based on experiences and observations of the trends of event. Obviously, the experience of the helmsman about the weather and the understanding of the owner of the ship about the design capabilities of the sea vessel appear more reliable. Unfortunately, absolute reliance on empirical persuasion here eventually resulted in the predicted loss of property while lives were only spared by the mercy of God. Like Paul, persuasion based on spiritual perceptions is reserved for those who have or trust in an intimate relationship with the Lord. Therefore, a voyage of life with fellows without at least someone with spiritual perception is a dangerous fellowship.

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